Interaction
Vol 2 No 1 (2026): Budaya Digital dan Politik Identitas: Kuasa, Wacana, dan Transformasi dalam Masya

Transformasi Komunikasi Generasi Z di Media Sosial dalam Masyarakat Jaringan

inayah inayah (Universitas Negeri Semarang)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 May 2026

Abstract

The development of digital technology and the penetration of social media have significantly transformed societal communication patterns, particularly among Generation Z, who have grown up in a digital environment. From Manuel Castells' perspective on the network society, communication is no longer linear but rather evolves within dynamic, interactive, and virtual-based network structures. This study aims to analyze the transformation of communication among Generation Z on social media by focusing on three main aspects: interaction patterns, identity expression, and the dynamics of the social relationships formed. The research method used is qualitative with a netnographic approach, which enables researchers to observe communication behavior in online communities in depth. Data were collected through participatory observation on Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook, as well as digital content analysis. The research sample consisted of 24 Generation Z social media users who are actively engaged in virtual communities. This study reveals three novel findings. First, the communication transformation of Generation Z is not merely a shift towards faster, visual, and symbolic communication but also involves the emergence of new social relational structures within the framework of the network society. Second, digital symbols such as emojis and memes serve as media for negotiating contextual social meaning. Third, Generation Z's identity is multidimensional and constructed differently across platforms (Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook) through adaptive impression management strategies. Thus, digital communication is understood not merely as the exchange of messages, but as a process of simultaneously constructing meaning, identity, and social structure.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jiid

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Interaction is more than just a scientific journal its a vibrant platform for academics researchers and practitioners to share their insights theories and empirical findings related to the dynamics of communication in social contexts Its a community where knowledge is exchanged and new ideas are ...